College Advice from a College Dropout Turned College Admissions Consultant, Professional Recruiter & Career Development Coach
College is one of the biggest investments many people will ever make. Before committing your time and money, make sure you're making an informed decision — not just following the path everyone expects you to take.
College is one of the biggest investments many people will ever make. Before committing your time and money, make sure you're making an informed decision — not just following the path everyone expects you to take.
Here are four lessons I've learned from working on both sides of higher education and hiring.
1. Choose Your Career Before You Choose Your College
It sounds simple, but many people — including me — choose a college before they've truly decided on a career.
Start by researching careers that genuinely interest you. Look beyond the job title and understand what the work actually looks like day to day. Better yet, connect with professionals already in the field. Ask questions, request informational interviews, or even see if you can shadow someone for a day or two.
Then, search for actual job openings before you ever enroll in school. Look at current demand for that career, typical starting salaries, geographic opportunities, and the experience employers expect. A dream job is only a dream if there are no opportunities waiting for you.
2. Choose Your College Carefully
Once you know your career direction, then start evaluating schools.
Admissions representatives can be incredibly helpful, but remember that their job is to represent their institution. Do your own research before scheduling appointments so you can ask informed questions.
Investigate whether the school offers specialized training for your chosen career, its graduation rates, what percentage of graduates find jobs in their field, whether the school assists with internships and job placement, who accredits the institution and whether that accreditation is in good standing, your total cost by graduation, and how much debt you're likely to have compared to the average salary in your field.
Take advantage of independent resources like the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to verify the information yourself.
3. Don't Overlook Trade Schools and Short-Term Programs
For decades, earning a four-year degree was considered the gold standard. Today, there are more educational pathways than ever before.
Many short-term certificate and certification programs can prepare students for rewarding careers in less than a year. In some industries, graduates are entering the workforce with starting salaries between $70,000 and $85,000 after programs lasting 11 months or less.
Even many traditional universities now offer accelerated certificate programs that allow students to develop career-ready skills much faster.
Another major advantage? You can begin earning an income sooner while deciding whether you want to continue your education later.
4. Don't Rush the Process
Whether you're helping yourself or someone you love make this decision, don't rush it.
Education requires both financial investment and personal commitment. Starting before you're ready often leads to unnecessary debt, frustration, and regret.
Take the time to discover the path that's right for you. Small, intentional steps today are far better than rushing into the wrong decision tomorrow.
The goal isn't simply to go to college. The goal is to build a career and a life you'll enjoy.